Gatlin is an uncommon given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English words "gæd" meaning " enclosure" or "fence," and "leah" which signifies "woodland clearing." Therefore, Gatlin means "enclosure in a woodland clearing."
The name Gatlin has no significant historical figures associated with it, nor is it mentioned in any mythologies or folklore. It is believed to have originated as an English surname before becoming used as a given name.
In recent times, Gatlin has gained some popularity as a baby boy's name due to its unique sound and its connection to nature. However, it remains relatively rare compared to more traditional names like William or James.
There are no notable people named Gatlin who have significantly influenced the meaning or perception of the name. Therefore, the meaning of Gatlin is largely dependent on its definition as an enclosure in a woodland clearing, with its sound and origin being its primary attributes.
The name Gatlin experienced a significant increase in popularity from the mid-1980s onwards, with a notable spike starting in the late 1990s. Between 1981 and 1994, the annual number of births with the name Gatlin fluctuated between 5 to 36 times per year. However, beginning in 1995, there was a steady rise in popularity, with over 200 births each year since 2017, reaching an all-time high of 358 births in 2022. Overall, from 1981 to 2023, the name Gatlin has been given to a total of 3985 newborns.